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Keeping liftgate batteries in good health is important for the productivity of your liftgate—bad batteries mean problems for the driver and loss of time and money for the fleet. So we’ve compiled the top five things you can do to make sure your batteries aren’t going to fail when you need them most.

Tip #1: Make sure the battery posts are clean

Before making any connections, make sure all of the battery posts are clean and corrosion-free. Even small amounts of corrosion or other debris on the posts can add resistance and inhibit a good electrical connection. Be particularly mindful of the ground connections.

Tip #2: Keep all connections tight

Loose connections have the same effect as dirty or corroded battery posts—they limit the amount of current that can flow and thereby reduce the total power that a battery can supply to the liftgate.

Tip #3: Check the cables

Look where the cable is crimped to the lug. Check that the crimp is tightly connected to all wires and that no strands have been missed by the crimp or broken off. Replace the cables if necessary.

Tip #4: Test batteries to ensure they are good

Liftgates have a battery bank of 2-4 batteries that they rely on to run. If even one of them is bad, the overall efficiency of the battery bank will go down. To keep all of your batteries running smoothly, individually test each battery at least once a year to ensure they are fully functional.

Tip #5: Don’t ignore any of the first four tips

It’s easy to say, “these batteries were good last time I checked them, so I’m sure they’re fine,” or “I’ll just skip checking the cables this time around,” but just because you haven’t noticed any problems yet doesn’t mean there isn’t one. Proper maintenance is key in keeping batteries operating at top performance.

There are several options on the market to test your batteries and cables. If you do not currently have one available in your shop, or would like more, check out our handheld and benchtop options here.

Do you have any other good practices for keeping liftgate batteries running properly? Let us know in the comments!